A wedding planner can make sure everything goes smoothly, from the ceremony through the reception.

Planning a wedding can be a daunting enterprise. Hundreds of details are involved with pulling off the perfect nuptials and it’s no wonder that wedding planners have sprung up to offer these services.

They can assist with every detail from ceremony queues to dog-walking services for family members, but how do you decide if you need one? How do you know that you aren’t being ripped off?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to hiring a wedding planner in Colorado, including tips from local wedding concierge and event planning expert, Allison Farrar of As You Wish:

1.Select your venue: Finding and booking your wedding venue will help you identify your planning needs. Many Colorado venues group on-site planning and concierge services into their wedding packages, some offer preferred vendor lists for planners, and some locations now require couples to hire a wedding planner. Even couples who opt for a backyard wedding at a friend’s or family member’s home may want to consult a wedding planner if all the details become too overwhelming.